Today, I am sharing some additional details for a classy mini album I created using the @Graphic45 Portrait of a Lady collection.
This formed part of a project made for a Brand Ambassador post for Graphic 45. The full video tutorial can be found on my YouTube channel
In addition, I wrote a pictorial blog post with a short reel for the official Graphic 45 blog which is a great resource for crafters of all abilities. This includes the instructions for the coordinating bag.
As promised in my previous blog: here are the findings of my little experiment to compare 8 branded adhesives that can be bought in the UK. I bought all of the bottles of PVA/EVA adhesives from Craft Stash UK. I will include the links at the bottom of this blog post. However, I have not been paid by Craft Stash to complete this experiment or recommend any of the brands. I conducted the experiment out of my own interest because I consider glue/adhesive to be an everyday crafting tool and I wanted to compare similar products from different companies.
I currently use Pinflair Bookbinding Glue for most of my card-making and paper-crafting projects so I chose products that would compare to this.
The products I chose to buy and test were: (the text in italic has been taken from the product packaging)
COLLAL BOOKBINDING MULTIPURPOSE GLUE (THIS IS NOT THE CLEAR VERSION) multi-purpose pva. strong glue. transparent when dry – remains flexible. moisture-proof. solvent-free. intended for bookbinding,scrapbooking, binding agent for paints
COSMIC SHIMMER SPECIALIST ACRYLIC GLUE specialist acrylic glue, new extra strength formula, dries clear, extra bonding agents. suitable for glitter, card, paper
CRAFT STASH NON TOXIC MULTI-PURPOSE GLUE general multi purpose glue
HONEY DOO CRAFTS STICKY NON TOXIC WATER BASED GLUE sticky glue ideal for sticking paper, card and embellishments.
PINFLAIR GLUE IT BOOKBINDING GLUE strong paper crafting glue, bonds paper and cardboard and fibrous products quickly. box construction, paper flower making
PINK FROG NEUTRAL PH ADHESIVE reversible EVA adhesive. Neutral PH adhesive, free of plasticisers, reversible with water, suitable for paper, board, framing, collage, crafts, bookbinding
SIZZIX EXPRESS GLUE quick drying, tacky, fine tip nozzle for precise application, dries clear
TONIC CRAFT TACKY GLUE super tacky PVA, extra fine precision tip
*The prices were based on the online price that I paid either on Craft Stash UK or directly from the company.
I used the same Graphic 45 papers and card stock throughout the testing process and where possible compared like for like.
I was unable to properly compare the Pink Frog Neutral PH Adhesive because the larger bottle meant the product came out rapidly. I will decant the glue to a smaller bottle and test the product fairly. Then update this blog post.
I was unable to properly compare Anita’s Tacky PVA Glue because it was an older product and once opened found to be too thick to compare like for like. Again these findings will be updated at a later date.
The video for this experiment can be found on my YouTube Channel
This table shows my findings. Please remember these are my personal thoughts. I have tried to compare like for like and I have not been paid by any of these brands to promote their products.
In conclusion, I believe you get what you pay for. If you are crafting daily, it is worth spending a reasonable amount on adhesive because it does affect the overall finished result. Often these products will last longer because you need to use less.
I will continue to use all of the products in this experiment. This may take several months and I will write a further comparison and conclusion to this blog post.
Listed below are the products I used, The links to Craft Stash are affiliated but this does not mean I recommend them individually. If you choose to buy via these links then I will earn a few pennies on the sales. This supports me in making these free videos and blog posts
I would be interested to know – how useful you found the video and blog post. Would you like me to review other crafting tools and accessories? Please comment below.
Real life has kept me busy but I am back and crafting again with the aptly named “Life’s A Bowl of Cherries. I have made several different card styles with this vibrant and uplifting collection from Graphic 45. You can see them in the latest videos on my YouTube Channel.
Today’s blog includes the dimensions for the Gatefold Card plus a few sneak peeks of the cards I have been making and sending to friends.
DIMENSIONS FOR THE ANGELD GATEFOLD CARD (TUTORIAL CAN BE VIEWED IN VIDEO)
Cut A4 card to 5 1/2″ by 11″ (Keep the excess strip to use as a wraparound band)
Score at 3 3/8″. Turn and repeat at the other end.
Make a mark from the top along the left and right short edge at 1 3/4″
Make a mark at the bottom along the left and right long edge at 1″
Join from the centre fold to the 1 3/4″ mark
Join from the 1 3/4′ mark to the 1″ mark
Cut the four triangles away
Create a mat template 3 1/8″ by 5 1/4″ and mark as above
Cut and create 4 patterned mats using this template
Cut an inside mat from the plain paper at 4″ by 5 1/4″
I also made good use of the triangular scraps left. Watch my video to see how I was able to make a further five cards.
In addition to creating these sets of cards, I experimented with various PVA glue brands. I filmed the process and hope to have a new video and information blog to share in the next few days. It should be interesting!
Supply List from Craft Stash (UK) affiliated link Graphic 45 12in x 12in Paper Pad Collection Pack Life’s a Bowl of Cherries | 16 Sheets https://tidd.ly/3oCKC1F
Graphic 45 Ephemera Assortment Life’s a Bowl of Cherries | Set of 38 https://tidd.ly/3L53k9A
I have been creating a range of projects with the beautiful “Time to Flourish” collection from @Graphic 45. It is a calendar style set of papers and I have based my creations around this. I started with a box kit from a UK based company called Oakwood Direct. This is the Accordion Handbag which comes as a set of two – in kraft and black card. It worked well with the Time to Flourish papers and was relatively straight-forward to put together.
I am not quite sure why it is called a matchbox camera because it is certainly much bigger than a standard matchbox!
I was able to use the excess papers from the first project and added seasonal images throughout the matching notebook.
I still had the larger journaling cards left from the 12×12 sheets so then I adapted the box set above to create my own larger version. (The first photo shows a sleeve with the Flower Market papers. I will explain why in my video) As you can see from the photos every project is slightly different and it shows just how versatile “Time to Flourish” is.
I created a second video to show the inside of the Camera Notebox along with a tutorial on how I upscaled the idea to incorporate the larger journaling cards.
Just for your reference – here are the dimensions for the larger project.
Main book
Cut two pieces of A4 card – lengthwise by 5 1/4″
Score from each end at 2″
Cut the second panel in half to create two side panels (5 5/8 by 5 1/4″)
Cut 6 pieces 8″ by 5 1/4″ for the pages. Score at 1/2″
Mat sizes
Centre panel and back – 7 1/2″ by 5 1/8″
Side strips 1 3/4″ by 5 1/8″
Front covers 3 5/8″ by 5 1/8″
Pages 7″ by 5″
This is a glorious collection to create with. I hope my videos will inspire you to try them out. I am not affiliated to Oakwood Direct but I do recommend their kits as a great starting point.
Before I leave fond memories of Christmas 2022 behind, I have one more set of cards to share. This blog post and video were originally made for the team at Graphic 45 and include full instructions for a set of diamond fold cards that can be used with other papers.
Making Christmas cards is an absolute joy, especially when using the wonderful Warm Wishes collection from Graphic 45. This quartet of festive cards are based on one of my go-to card folds – the diamond easel card. This card is a great starting point for beginners or for batch-making cards. However, by adding a few more steps it is easy to create showstopping cards for the extra special people in your life.
HOW TO MAKE THE BASIC DIAMOND EASEL CARD
Each card begins with a basic 5”x5” card blank cut down to create a diamond shape.
Measure and mark 2 ½” along the top edge, the right edge and the bottom edge.
Draw a feint pencil line to create a diamond point.
Using a paper cutter or a pair of scissors – cut away the two triangles to create a diamond-shaped card base.
Use a scoreboard or carefully fold down the 2 ½”. line (the top mark will meet the bottom mark) on the front of the card.
Next, decorate the card using the elements shown below
PLEASE NOTE – THE DECORATIVE PANELS OF EACH CARD HAVE THE SAME DIMENSIONS. However, each card has different elements.
A full tutorial with decorating tips can be viewed on the Graphic 45 YouTube Channel
LINK –
DIAMOND EASEL CARD – PORTRAIT
1 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as shown above
1 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
2 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles
1 x Warm Wishes Chipboard element to create a stopper
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
Decorate the inside of the card first. Then adhere the 3 1/2 “ x 3 ½” white card topper to the triangle (fold) on the front of the card. Remember to glue the square on the lower half of the diamond, before continuing to decorate.
The Warm Wishes 12×12 papers work perfectly with white, kraft and black cardstock.
The Warm Wishes Ephemera makes wonderful toppers and the Warm Wishes Chipboard pieces can be used as toppers to hold the front easel in place on the card.
DIAMOND FOLD CARD – LANDSCAPE
1 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as shown above
1 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
2 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
This time, keep the diamond in landscape mode and decorate as for the portrait card above.No stopper is required.
These cards lie flat for posting and fit inside a standard envelope.
The next card makes a great card for the special people in your life. It is based on the same idea above but this time there is a diamond panel on each end and a large centre panel to add a sentiment.
DOUBLE DIAMOND FOLD CARD
2 – 5”x5” white card blank with a diamond point on front only
2 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
4 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 4 ¾” x 4 ¾” decorative panel from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – Warm Wishes Journalling card – large
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
When making the initial card base – remember to cut the diamond point on the front panel only. The two square panels are then adhered together to form the main card. To achieve a clean line – try cutting ¼” away from one of the squares. Then both cards will sit well together, allowing you to close the card flat.
The Warm Wishes Journalling cards work well, both as sentiments inside the card, and decorative panels, to add your own text on the back of the card.
The final card is a real showstopper and would look great on a festive mantlepiece.
TRIPLE DIAMOND FOLD CARD
2 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as diamonds and scored down both 2 ½” marks
3 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
3 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
6 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
The two card bases are created in the same way as card number 2. Then both sides should be scored down at the 2 ½” mark. The two centre triangles are folded in and upwards and the centre topper lays flat on both of them. Full details and tips can be followed in my video on the Graphic 45 YouTube Channel.
This set of cards is perfect for beginners and more experienced crafters. By working with one basic card fold, four different cards can be created. They make wonderful Christmas cards, however, each style can be used throughout the year.
Happy crafting!
Love Elisabeth xx
TOP TIPS
Take care with the fold lines and use a bone folder if possible.
Use wet glue to stick the toppers to the triangular flaps rather than to the topper.
Take your time when lining up the diamond toppers to the card base – ensuring that the bottom point perfectly matches the card base.
The Double Diamond Fold card and the Triple Diamond Fold card will lie flat for postage – however if adding additional toppers – consider making a matching box to hold these showstoppers into.
Although I create festive cards throughout the year because of tv launches: it is only now that I begin my personal Christmas card-making.
This year, I am recording short videos as I go. This means that if you see a card design you like, you will have a few pointers to get your creative juices flowing. I am at about the halfway mark so allow me to share a few of my recent favourites.
Day 1 – Star card
This is such a simple stamped card but sometimes they make the most striking designs.
Day 4 – Stamped stag card
This is another stamped and masked card – based on an idea from a few years ago.
Day 7 – Teepee card
This year I decided to make mini teepee cards and tie them up with a festive ribbon.
Day 11 – Origami Christmas tree
This set of papers “Let’s Get Cozy” from Graphic 45 has a nordic feel to it so I made a matching fir tree using a great origami technique.
Each of my video tutorials is launched at 5.30pm (UK time) and is saved to a dedicated playlist. This means you can watch as you craft. I have even included a festive sound track for you to listen to in the background.
I would love to hear when you try any of these ideas. Please tag me on social media @elisabethhogarthdesigns
October 1st is World Card Making Day so let us celebrate this great hobby and be proud of all the cards we create and send. I was fortunate to receive two design team parcels this morning. I opened up the larger box which held a plethora of crafting goodies from the team @Graphic45
12×12 Paper collections
I chose to work with the new Let’s Get Cozy, Cafe Parisian, Home Sweet Home and Little Things. I will create projects for each collection and share the videos on my YouTube channel
Embellishments, Dies and Card Club
In addition, I opted for the Folder and Sentiment dies, Card Club Volume 11, Journalling cards and Ephemera. Everything compliments the 12×12 paper collections.
G45 Brand Ambassador Unboxing
I know how lucky I am to receive these generous packages. I do work hard to create content and share inspiration so that I can show my love of Graphic 45. I know that some of you enjoy the unboxing process which is why I show the products above in an unboxing video.
Card Club Volume 11 – Card 2 – Let it Snow
In addition to the unboxing of the G45 goodies, I decided to celebrate World Card Making Day by trying out one of the card designs from Card Club Volume 11. This was a first for me and it was a great experience and one I shall repeat. The card on the left features Let It Snow. The card on the right features Let’s Get Cozy.
Let’s Get Cozy
I fell in love with the colours and the imagery of this collection immediately. You can see a quick flick through of the papers in the video at around the 17-minute mark. Then I use the z-fold card above to create another holiday card with Let’s Get Cozy.
My latest YouTube video is a great mix of new products, mini card tutorials, and other ways to use your Graphic 45 products. Follow the link below to watch it now. If you enjoy watching then please do like the video, subscribe to my channel and hit the bell for new notifications.
Thank you for being a part of this great card-making journey.
I had a great time crafting with the entire Christmas collection including the new Essential papers. You can see everything and all my projects and top tips in my latest YouTube video.
You may have seen this hexagonal pop-up box card before. I was reminded of it by my crafting friend Karen Watling who shared the design on World Card Making Day in my Facebook group Creative Minds Kind Hearts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemindsiikindhearts
The Voyage Beneath the Sea papers from Graphic 45 lend themselves nicely to this card shape so I decided to see if I could make three different sizes. I used 12×12 card stock around 160 – 180 gsm. A few folds are required so try to pick a lighter weight for construction. My video has a full tutorial and I will explain that the depth of the box can be changed depending on the size of the hexagonal template.
MY SOUL
This hexagonal box is based on a die with an edge of 7cm/ 2 3/4″ and will fit into an 8″x8″ envelope
I’M REALLY A MERMAID
This hexagonal box is based on a die with an edge of 5.5cm/ 2 1/8″ and will fit into a 6 1/2″ x 9″ envelope
VOYAGE BENEATH THE SEA
This hexagonal box is based on a die with an edge of 5 cm/ 2″ and will fit in a 6″x6″ envelope.
To watch the full tutorial follow the link to my YouTube channel: –
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Elisabeth Hogarth Designs 